UA Recreation Center Kicks Off Spring Semester with Classes and Events

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Student Recreation Center is offering diverse options for students looking to get fit in the new year, ranging from individual fitness plans to team sports.

Among the offerings are:

Body Blast – The Body Blast fitness class is under way now through March 2. Body Blast is a combination of cardio and strength training that fuses conventional training, elements of P90X and Insanity into a six-week course. Classes will meet every Monday and Wednesday 6-7 a.m. or 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Cost for the six-week course is $99 and a jump rope is provided. Both cash and check are accepted and should be paid to the instructor at the first meeting. The courses are instructed by ACE certified personal trainers Whitney Spota and Neika Nix.

According to Spota, the program is not gender specific and would be beneficially rigorous for both men and women. Body Blast takes full cardio and strength work outs and combines them into rigorous hour-long sessions.

The group workout setting provides additional motivation for those looking to maintain a high level of fitness, and is an option for students looking for a structured workout.

T-Town Pull-Down – The University will be hosting its 6th annual T-Town Pull-Down bouldering competition on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Student Recreation Center. The competition is open to climbers of all skill levels ages 14 and up.

There will be two rounds of competition at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the latter being reserved for out-of-town competitors. The top three men and women competitors will compete in the finals round at 3:30 p.m.

Registration forms can be found online at http://urec.sa.ua.edu/ORClimbing.cfm. The entry fee is $30 for pre-registration and $40 the day of the event. University Recreation will also be offering $5 camping for competitors the night of Jan. 28 to help ease travel for out-of-town participants. The fee covers a tent, sleeping bag and pad and shower access.

Top sponsors of T-Town Pull-Down include Sherpa Adventure Gear, Alabama Outdoors, Rock Ice, Mountain Khakis, Solid Rock Climbers for Christ and Lowe Alpine.

Polar Plunge – The UA Recreation Center is hosting its first Polar Plunge to benefit the West Alabama American Red Cross on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Outdoor Pool Complex.

Registration will take place at the Aquatic Center and Student Recreation Center.  Forms are available at www.urec.sa.ua.edu.  Early registration will be Feb. 1-10, and will remain open until the day of the event. Check, cash and credit are all accepted.

The Outdoor Pool Complex is located at the corner of Campus Drive and Fifth Ave. East.  Participants will need a bathing suit, towel and warm change of clothes. Heated locker rooms and showers are provided on site, as well as hot chocolate for all participants.

The WAARC provides services to the residents of seven counties: Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Fayette, Lamar, Greene, Hale and Sumter.

For more information about the UREC Polar Plunge, contact Christine Hackman at clhackman@crimson.ua.edu.

Holiday Hustle – The UA Sports Clubs and Housing and Residential Communities are sponsoring their annual Holiday Hustle, a 5k benefitting the Alabama Epilepsy Foundation, on March 5 at 9 a.m. at the Student Recreation Center.

Students can find registration forms at the Student Recreation Center information kiosk, and should return them to the Sport Clubs office before the day of the event. Pre-registration for the race is $15, and $20 the day of the event. Registration on March 5 begins at 8 a.m.

All participants will receive a T-shirt and race bag.

The course will start at the lower parking lot of the Student Recreation Center, go through campus past Gorgas Library and return along University, ending at the starting point.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help with the event, several positions are available. If interested, please contact uasportclubs@gmail.com.

Intramural Sports Registration –

Bowling, table tennis and indoor soccer: Feb. 1-8

Racquetball singles and softball: Feb. 8-15

4V4 Flag Football: Feb. 22-March 1

March Madness Pick’em: March 1-8

Tennis doubles: March 1-8

Kickball: March 22-29

Ultimate Frisbee: April 5-12

“A lot of people who played high school sports are looking for a competitive atmosphere where they can continue to play,” said Shelby Sims, coordinator of intramural sports. “I encourage students to take part in the upcoming intramural seasons.”